The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

PULWAMA: Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Pulwama, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi today chaired the General Council meeting at Circuit House Pulwama to review the status of developmental works and overall progress for the year 2025-26.

At the outset, Chief Planning Officer, Aashiq Hussain Khanday provided a comprehensive  presentation outlining the physical and financial status under the District Capex Budget 2025-26. He also apprised the house about the progress achieved under the Area Development Fund (DDC/BDC/PRI), highlighting sector-wise achievements and key milestones. The presentation provided a detailed overview of works completed, ongoing projects, expenditure status and targets achieved across departments.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson urged all departments to ensure timely completion of works, strictly adhere to prescribed timelines and quality parameters, and avoid lapses of funds. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability and efficiency in execution of developmental projects.

As the present Council is completing its term, the Chairperson on the occasion reflected upon the evolution of the role and responsibilities of District Development Council over time. He also highlighted the significance of the Panchayati Raj Act in strengthening grassroots democracy and stated that while development remains a core objective of Panchayati Raj Institutions, it is not the sole purpose. He remarked that the true essence of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system lies in ensuring last-mile delivery of services and giving voice to the underprivileged and underserved sections of society.

Extending gratitude to the administration, he stated that Pulwama District Development Council has consistently remained among the top performing councils owing to continuous support, synergy and effective coordination from the administration. The members of the Council also spoke on the occasion and shared their experiences of their tenure. They highlighted various developmental interventions carried out in their respective constituencies and appreciated the coordination among departments which ensured better implementation of schemes and projects at the grassroots level. The members expressed satisfaction over the overall progress achieved and reiterated the need to sustain the momentum of development in the district.

The meeting was attended by DDC Member Achgoze, Mansha Jan; DDC Member Aripal, Manzoor Ahmad Ganie; DDC Member Awantipora-II, Meema Ji; DDC Member Dadsara, Avtar Singh; DDC Member Kakapora-I, Abdul Qayoom Mir; DDC Member Kakapora-II, Minha Lateef; DDC Member Newa, Abdul Aziz Mir; DDC Member Pampore, Tazeem Ji; DDC Member Pulwama-II, Javed Ahmad Bhat; DDC Member Shadimarg, Mehmooda Akhter; and DDC Member Tral, Dr. Harbaksh Singh, besides Additional Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. S.M Ashraf; Assistant Commissioner Development Pulwama, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Pulwama, Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Executive Engineers of PWD, Jal Shakti and PMGSY, Chief Agriculture Officer Pulwama and all Block Development Officers, among other concerned officers.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here